Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians are all eye care providers whose scopes of practice are defined by the types of training they receive.
An Ophthalmologist is a physician & surgeon, a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), who has completed a four year undergraduate degree, a four-year medical degree followed by a 1-year internship and 3-year (or more) residency in ophthalmology. Some ophthalmologists specialize further by completing a one or two year fellowship in cornea & refractive surgery, eye pathology, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, pediatrics, retina, or uveitis.
Ophthalmologists (MD or DO) can:
- prescribe glasses and contact lenses
- diagnose eye abnormalities and diseases
- treat all eye conditions and disease, including those of the surrounding flesh, bones, and muscle with surgery (conventional and laser surgery), medications, and medical therapies
- diagnose other conditions and illnesses based on symptoms evident in the eyes and refer patients to another appropriate physician for treatment
- fit, adjust and dispense eyeglasses
An Optometrist receives the degree of doctor of optometry (OD) at a 4-year optometry school after completing four years of undergraduate study. Some optometrists specialize further by completing one or two years of additional training in cornea & contact lens, geriatrics, low vision, traumatic brain injury, vision research, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatrics, primary care, or ocular diseases.
Optometrists (OD) can:
- prescribe glasses and contact lenses
- diagnose eye abnormalities and diseases
- treat eye diseases with medications and medical therapies
- diagnose other conditions and illnesses based on symptoms evident in the eyes and refer patients to another appropriate physician for treatment
- fit, adjust and dispense eyeglasses
An Optician is a technician who has either earned a 2-year optician degree from a community college or has learned while on the job.
Opticians can:
- fit, adjust and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses
Our philosophy at Eye Associates of Southern California is that Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians work together in a health care team to provide high quality eye care for you and your family. Meet our team.
Make an appointment online or call us (at 951-303-6111) for your personal consultation with our Eye Physicians, Surgeons, and Doctors at Eye Associates of Southern California. New patient forms.
